Lotus Esprit S1
Giugiaro’s original Esprit wrapped Lotus lightness in an unmistakable seventies wedge.
- Power
- 160 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.4 s
- Top speed
- 124 mph
- Est. value
- $39k
About the Lotus Esprit S1
The first Esprit entered production in June 1976 with a mid-mounted Lotus 907 engine and a five-speed Citroën transaxle. Giorgetto Giugiaro’s angular fibreglass body sits on a steel backbone chassis. These figures describe the 160 hp European version and its commonly quoted 900 kg kerb weight, rather than the less powerful Federal-market car. The sprint and top speed use published Autocar road-test figures, which were more modest than Lotus’s original performance claims.
Lotus Esprit S1 specs
The Lotus Esprit S1 produces 160 bhp (119 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | Esprit |
| Generation | S1 |
| Trim | European 2.0 specification |
| Years | 1976–1978 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | 2-door mid-engine coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 718 built |
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated DOHC inline-4 petrol (Lotus 907) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,973 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 160 bhp (119 kW) at 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 8.4 s |
| Top speed | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Citroën manual transaxle |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 900 kg (1,984 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 178 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Lotus Esprit S1 worth?
A typical Lotus Esprit S1 is estimated to be worth $39,000 (about £29,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Lotus Esprit S1 rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus Esprit S1 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 63 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus Esprit S1 fun facts
- The S1 Esprit used rear lamps sourced from the Fiat X1/9.
- A white S1 appeared as James Bond’s submarine car in The Spy Who Loved Me.
